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Guestlist Recommends: Raleigh Ritchie
RnB/Hip Hop | Monday 8th December 2014 | Melissa
Jacob Anderson, more commonly known as Grey Worm of hit TV series Game of Thrones, appears to have more strings to his bow than just his acting skills.
The 24 year old from Bristol also takes music very seriously, adopting pseudonym Raleigh Ritchie (a combination of his two favourite characters from his favourite film, The Royal Tenenbaums) for his musical persona.
Ritchie laid his roots in acting, starring in shows such as The Bill and Casualty at just 17 before hitting the big time as Grey Worm in Game of Thrones, arguably one of the most-loved TV series of all time. However, at Guestlist we love him most for his musical flair.
His emergence onto the music scene wasn’t until 2013, when he recorded a song with Plan B, titled ‘I Need Love’ that featured on the Adulthood soundtrack (which Ritchie also had an acting role in). His musical influences include Erykah Badu and The Smiths, and his lyrical skills are a fitting tribute to this.
As of yet, Ritchie hasn’t released an album, although his EP’s ‘Black and Blue’, ‘The Middle Child’ and ‘Black and Blue Point Two’ feature lovelorn story telling lyrics and an RnB/Rap crossover that has been compared to Tupac in Changes. The combination of his pulsing, eerie rhythms and smooth, rich, caramel vocals gives the young artist a complete sound, comparable to Frank Ocean.
His single ‘Stronger Than Ever’ is his most recognised track, used in TV adverts promoting ITV Encore. Piano-led, with pounding beats and confrontational lyrics such as “I’m not defeated I believe I can turn this ship around / Destroy the status quo until I know I’ve found a common ground”. Ritchie tells the story of himself as a 17 year old, who had just moved to London. The video can be seen below:
Though, our favourite track ‘Bloodsport’ stems from his latest EP Black and Blue, a standout blend of rap, soul, and pop. His development as an artist is evident here, with comprehensive storytelling of a somewhat destructive romance, “And though you hate me when you have a turn/ I drive you crazy but you always return” though typical to his defiant nature the lyrics continue with, “I’ve got your back and though it’s stacked against us/ I’ve got your hand, it’s us against consensus/ And I will burn the people who hurt you the worst.” Having described his writing processes as a “free therapy”, the honesty of his lyrics resonates with listeners.
The artist has already been labeled as ‘one to watch’ and the release of his forthcoming album, which is said to be close with only a few changes and additions needed, promises to be one of the most original and sincere R&B albums for a long time.
Melissa Chapman
@MelissaJChapman
